Follow Friday: The Genealogical Research Directory

From the TribuneStar.com:


“GRD,” or the Genealogical Research Directory: This is reportedly the largest listing of genealogical queries in the world. It’s been around since 1981. The GRD is published in Australia and is used across the globe, especially in Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. It is a directory of research submissions from around the world. The GRD listings consist of researchers’ names along with what family lines they are working on. It is considered the largest published group of queries in the world, consisting of an average of 100,000 entries, updated annually. This resource helps researchers from everywhere connect with each other.

A typical GRD table of contents contains an introduction describing how to use the book, a listing of abbreviations used, the directory of surnames, a directory of subjects, a listing of one-name (single surname) studies, a list of contributors’ contact information, a list of genealogical societies from around the world, and an index of professional services from many nations.

The directory has been published in book form since 1981 and is now also available on CD-ROM. It grows in size each year. Each directory includes 35,000 to 150,000 names from contributors in 30 countries (with a focus on English-speaking nations) and runs about 1,200 pages. Past copies are available for sale at various Internet sites such as www.gould.com.au/Genealogical-Research-Directory-2007-p/lah126.htm and www.gould.com.au/Genealogical-Research-Directory-Set-1981-1993-p/au9600.htm.

For more information on the GRD, contact the publishers at Genealogical Research Directory, P.O. Box 795, Sydney, NSW 2060; call (02) 99295087